Items tagged “Apparel”

If Christine and Peter were married instead of business partners, how they got together would be a classic romcom meet cute. Christine was selling her car to make money for her new venture – the perfect BellyBelt for maternity and post-maternity clothing issues. Peter turned up with his mother to look at the car, took one look at this mompreneur and instead of buying a Volkswagen, he bought half the business and grew it into Fertile Mind. Belly Belt grew as fast as her belly as Christine had three more kids, and she and Peter hired a staff of mostly working moms who helped them develop all the necessities for maternity and postnatal accessories.

Summer lovin’ is here, so take advantage and fill your stores with waves of wonder! No more tying a towel around the waist; kids can wear their towels proudly with Kiki’s Nation. This innovative company designs pants, jammers, skirts and even bags all made of super-absorbent towel material. Under the sea has never been more fun than MerFins, imaginative beachwear that allows girls to experience Ariel’s world by morphing from legs to fins. Art meets fashion with Kaeli Smith Designs beautiful resort wear in vibrant colors, perfect for a summer BBQ or garden party. Babies stay safe seaside with sport & water wrap baby carriers by Beachfront Baby.

Time magazine’s “Curious Capitalist” Rana Foroohar penned these words that always seem to elicit sighs of relief from some quarters and cheers from others: “Made in the USA is making a comeback.” Having products made in The States not only supports local communities, but also provides other tangible benefits. Quality control is high on that list: a quick walk down to the factory floor can straighten out an issue. Small quantities of well-made products can be created without trouble. Plus, more customers are interested in purchasing US goods. Companies that continue to provide goods made in the USA, like Alex Marshall Studios, Little Korboose, Connor’s Kits for Kids, and Harrisville Designs, are staying strong.

Earth Divas supports artisans in developing countries and is dedicated to bringing to market fair trade, handmade, sustainable products that are of superior quality. Earth Divas was founded with a vision to create a business that would benefit the environment as well as the individuals who manufacture the products for sale in the United States. From the early days of selling retail via their website and shipping orders from their garage, Earth Divas has transitioned to a wholesale business and increased their focus on fair trade made products, joined the Fair Trade Federation and expanded their warehouse and fulfillment operation to match their ambition.

According to a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, if shoppers were allowed to choose between a U.S.-made product and something identical made abroad, 78% of people opted for the American product. The reasons? Many respondents cited a wish to keep American manufacturing strong. Others expressed concern about the use of cheap labor overseas, and still others felt that American-produced goods were better quality. The Giggle Guide^® spotlights products made in the USA, including: Royal Baby, Dreamspun, Suoak and Polka Dot Moon.